South County Bike Path

8/10 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊Mommy Approved Smiling Faces

https://www.dot.ri.gov/travel/bikeri/southcounty.php

Kingston, Peace Dale, Wakefield, and Narragansett

*see parking addresses in section below

 

The South County Bike Path also known as the William C. O’Neill Bike Path is so much fun.  It is well maintained and beautiful with various sceneries.  The kids enjoyed seeing woods, swamp, the Kingston Train Station and the suburban neighborhoods while on the path.  There are open areas where the sun shines down and also plenty of shaded spots too.  Benches are placed throughout the trail to allow for breaks.  The bike path runs 7-8 miles from the Kingston Train Station to Narragansett Elementary School.  It offers a 2-mile extension trail to access the University of Rhode Island as well.

 

 

This was a very busy intersection after the calm neighborhood. It had a crosswalk with traffic signals. This area puts you near some restaurants and amenities such as Cantina del Rio Mexican restaurant, Star Bucks, 5 guys, Bess Eaton Coffee and Donuts, and POW! Science. The busy road is Kingston Road and the neighborhood side street is Mac Arthur Blvd.  I am not sure if you are able to park on the side street but there is no signs suggesting not to.  (We did for about 30 minutes or so without an issue).

The Skinny:

• Weather :  A favorable day weather-wise because it is completely outdoors here
• Pricing & Admissions : The parking / admissions here is FREE
• Location : This bike path is about 7 miles of flat, paved trail to bike on with diverse eye-pleasing scenery.
• Parking : There are several locations on the trail you can start and end at. These were the parking areas we found:

 Kingston Train Station-1 Railroad Ave, West Kingston, RI 02892 path starts in back of the station

Peace Dale Free Parking lot-1227 Kingstown Rd #1221, South Kingstown, RI 02879.  Adjacent to Sweet Cakes Bakery and Café

MacArthur Blvd. and Kingston Road at Cantina Del Rio Mexican Restaurant.  ( I’m not sure where it’s okay to park in this busy area but I’m sure there would be somewhere- we parked in the neighborhood by the Postal Office)

Narragansett Community Center / Elementary School -53 Mumford Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882. ( We parked across the street at the ball field)

• • Hours : Open daily
  • Duration :  We stayed here about 2-3 hours each time but we weren’t in a rush to leave
  • Tips and Recommendations : Starting at the Narragansett end is quite beautiful and tranquil although The kids and I enjoyed the water view at The Great Swamp in Kingston
  • Cons :  There are a handful of busy streets the kids have to cross which are manageable due to the traffic signals, but little ones always make me nervous when it comes to listening and traffic 😬.  

Jewel Approved 👍🏼

Jamison Approved 👍🏼

When we went here we got a taste of the Great Swamp Management Area and yearned for more so we explored it.  Check it out here.  Another location we love for science classes and toys is Pow!Science which is super close to this bike path.  The kids will love it!